Who Is Robert Guillaume? Age, Biography, and Wiki
In 2025, Robert Guillaume would have celebrated his 98th birthday. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, as Robert Peter Williams, he rose to fame for his role as the dignified butler, Benson DuBois, in the hit television series "Benson" and as the voice of Rafiki in Disney's "The Lion King." His impactful performances earned him accolades, including two Emmy Awards. Guillaume's legacy is preserved not only in the roles he played but also in the inspiration he provided to countless actors and actresses.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1927 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 24 October, 2017 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Robert Guillaume's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Robert Guillaume was known for his distinguished presence. Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and maintaining a weight of around 170 lbs (77 kg), he had a commanding physical appearance. Throughout his life, his healthy stature complemented his talents, making him a formidable presence both on screen and stage.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Robert Guillaume was married twice. His first marriage was to actress and singer Marlene DeLeon, with whom he had two sons, Kevin and Richard. Later, he married his second wife, Donna Brown, in 1986. The couple remained together until his passing in 2017. Robert’s family life was characterized by love and support, enriching both his personal and professional pursuits.
Louis to an alcoholic mother. After she abandoned him and several siblings, they were raised by their grandmother, Jeannette Williams. He studied at Saint Louis University and Washington University in St. Louis and served in the U.S. Army before pursuing an acting career. He adopted the surname Guillaume (French for William) as his stage name.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Robert Guillaume's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a testament to his successful career spanning decades in television, film, and theater. The actor’s earnings came from various projects, including his renowned roles in TV shows, commercials, and voice work. His financial acumen allowed him to invest wisely during his lifetime, ensuring a comfortable legacy for his family.
Career, Business, and Investments
Robert Guillaume's career is marked by a series of notable accomplishments. He initially gained recognition on Broadway, then transitioned to television, where he found remarkable success. His iconic role as Benson DuBois is still celebrated today. Beyond acting, Guillaume was involved in various charitable causes and initiatives, focusing on education and the arts. His investments in real estate and media projects further solidified his financial standing, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Guillaume worked extensively on stage, television and film. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and twice won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of the character Benson DuBois, once in 1979 on Soap and again in 1985 on Benson.
He also won a Grammy Award in 1995 for his spoken-word performance of an audiobook version of The Lion King. Guillaume was the first African-American actor to portray the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.
Social Network
While Robert Guillaume was not active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, his legacy continues to thrive online. Fans and admirers regularly share tributes and celebrate his contributions on platforms like Facebook and discussion forums dedicated to classic television. His impact on the industry remains alive through the nostalgia shared by audiences who remember his performances fondly.
Education
Robert Guillaume’s educational background includes attending Washington University in St. Louis, where he honed his skills in the performing arts. His formal training, combined with his natural talent and hard work, prepared him for a successful career in acting. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, which he joined in the late 1940s, serving as a part of the World War II efforts.
After college, Guillaume joined the Karamu Players in Cleveland and performed in musical comedies and opera. He toured the world in 1959 as a cast member of the Broadway musical Free and Easy. He made his Broadway debut in Kwamina in 1961.
His other stage appearances included Golden Boy (with Sammy Davis Jr.), Tambourines to Glory, Guys and Dolls, for which he received a Tony Award nomination, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, and Purlie. His additional roles included Katherine Dunham's Bambouche and in Fly The Blackbird.
